Abstract

Suicide attempt is usually made as a result of distal planning and/or proximal impulsivity during an acute crisis. The aim of this study was to examine the interaction effects of psychosocial factors that predict the planning level and impulsivity of suicide attempt. Using stratified sampling by age and sex, 300 adults with a history of suicide attempt were recruited. Planning level and impulsivity of the most recent suicide attempt were assessed, and the following were assessed and used as the main predictors: depression, hopelessness, negative urgency, cognitive flexibility, and stress experience. Using decision tree analysis, the results indicated that the interaction between depression and negative urgency predicted the planning level of suicide attempt. Specifically, the higher the level of depression, the higher the planning level of a suicide attempt. In cases of low levels of depression, a higher level of negative urgency predicted the planning level. The psychosocial factors that predicted impulsivity of suicide attempt were the interaction of depression, cognitive flexibility (control and alternatives), and hopelessness. First, the lower the level of depression, the greater the impulsivity of a suicide attempt. Second, when depression levels were low, higher levels of control and alternatives predicted the impulsivity. Third, when the levels of depression, control, and alternatives were low, hopelessness predicted the impulsivity. The results of this study suggest that differential intervention strategies are needed for individuals planning suicide and those who may act impulsively during an acute crisis.